Day 76 : Roadwater to Porlock
📏Distance: 17.70 miles (28.49 km)
☀️ Weather: Dry and warm all day
🕙 Start Time: 09:50 | Finish Time: 18:15
After an overnight stay at the Porlock campsite I was back on the road this morning—albeit with a slightly later start than usual. As planned, Adam kindly drove me back to Roadwater, where I’d finished yesterday’s leg, and from there I picked up the route again.
Today was always going to be a challenge as I’ve now walked over 150 miles since my last rest day.. But nothing could have prepared me for the terrain of Exmoor. It’s only when you walk it that you realise just how relentlessly hilly it is. Every climb is followed by a descent into a steep valley—only to be met by another climb straight after. It’s nature’s own version of interval training!
The majority of today’s walking was off-road, which I always enjoy. Thankfully the paths were passable as much of the overgrowth had recently been cut back
But Exmoor had another surprise in store for me: a path closure notice. With no choice but to detour, I walked about half a mile to a road crossing where I met a local farmer. He told me that Exmoor National Park hadn’t removed all the outdated signs—the path was, in fact, open. So, back I went. Another half mile retraced, but at least I was back on track.
Despite the hills and detours, it was a beautiful day. The countryside was stunning, with panoramic views from the hilltops and glimpses of the coastline in the distance.
After reaching Porlock, a hot shower and a good meal in a local pub rounded off the day nicely.
Tomorrow and Tuesday are rest days before I begin the final two-week’s walking to Land’s End, so no posts for the next couple of days.
